The Nature Explore Classroom at
New Horizon Academy Eagan Lexington
We’re excited to introduce a new addition to our curriculum—our Outdoor Classroom!
Each class will have a designated day each week to explore, learn, and play in an intentionally designed outdoor environment. On your child’s Outdoor Classroom day, please dress them in weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty, as we’ll be engaging with dirt, sand, water, and other natural materials.
What is the Outdoor Classroom?
This space is an extension of our indoor learning, featuring familiar areas such as:
• Art & Writing: Using natural materials for creative expression
• Music & Movement: Exploring rhythm and dance in open space
• Blocks & Building: Constructing with wood, rocks, and stumps
• Dramatic Play: Imagining and storytelling in nature
• Science & Sensory Exploration: Investigating bugs, plants, textures, and weather
Big Body Play & Risky Play
Outdoor learning encourages big body play—running, climbing, lifting, balancing, and jumping—which supports physical development, coordination, and confidence. These full-body movements are essential for building strength, body awareness, and emotional regulation.
We also support carefully supervised risky play, such as walking across uneven logs or building structures with heavy materials. These types of experiences help children develop risk assessment skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities in a safe and supportive environment.
What to Expect:
• You’ll be notified of your child’s scheduled Outdoor Classroom day.
• Please send your child in sturdy shoes or boots and layers, hats, or gloves as needed for the weather.
• Be prepared for your child to come home a little messier—and full of stories!
We believe nature-based play nurtures the whole child—physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. If you have questions or want to learn more, we’d love to connect.
